Brush for electrolytic use and electrodes therefor



May-9, 1933. F. CONLIN BRUSH FOR ELECTROLYTIC USE AND ELECTRODES THEREFOR Filed April 18, 1931 QE) 6b TORNEYS.

BY (ME Patented May 9, 1933' FREDERICK CONLIN, OF NEW YORK, N. Y.

BRUSH FOB ELECTROLYTIC USE ANDE'LECTRODES THEREFOR Application filed April is,

This inventionrelates to brushes for elec-. trolytic use, such for example as used for electroplating or electrocleaning, and to electrodes therefor.

The invention provides improved devices of the character referred to, the devices being readily adaptable for substitution and replacement of electrodes, and having simple means for retaining the replaceable electrodes. The devices further embody features adapted for assisting in the retention of liquid in the vicinity of the electrode.

The invention further provides improved devices of the character referred to, comprising an electrode, and particularly a soluble anode, having a relatively large surface area, whereby the electrode area may be as large as or larger than the effective plating area of the brush in contact with the surface to be plated; and which may also cause a minimum displacement or distortion of bristlesin the head of.bristles.

The invention further provides improved devices of the character referred to wherein a large area of contact is provided between the electrode, and the filaments or films of electrolyte held between the bristles, and wherein a large and relatively uniform flow of current through the brush is permitted during manipulation.

The invention further provides an improved electrode for brushes of the character described.

Other features of improvement will be pointed out in the particular description which follows.

Several embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the accompanying drawing wherein Figure 1 is a vertical sectional view of one embodiment of brush for electrolytic use.

Figs. 2 and 3 are respectively a top-plan view and a sectional view on line IIII, Fig. 1, of the electrode shown in Fig. 1.

Figs. 4 and 5 are respectively a side elevation, and a top plan view of another embodiment of electrode.

Figs. 6 and 7 are respectively a side elevation, and a top plan view of another embodiment of electrode.

1931. Serial No. 531,149.

Figs. 8 and 9 are respectively a side eleva tion and a top plan view of still another embodiment of electrode.

Referring to said drawing, numeral 10 designates the brush as a whole, comprising a head of filament-s or bristles'12, and preferably also a handle 14, the head of bristles being secured to the brush in any suitable mannor, as by means of a ferrule 16 clamped around a lower extension 18 of the handle. A filler 20 may be provided around the handle above the head ofbristles, as usual. The bristles may be of any suitable material to best withstand the action of the electrolyte, but are ordinarily hog bristles.

Numeral 24 designates an electrode sup port which is preferably a rod of conducting material, extending through a longitudinal space 26 in the handle, .one end projecting into the core or middle of the bristleshead and the other end preferably projecting from the upper end of the handle and having means 28, as a clamping nut having a screw-threaded engagement therewith, for fastening an electrical conducting wire thereto. The rod 24 may be made hollow and provided with outlets, within the head of bristles, where it is desired to furnish solution in'this way to the head of bristles, as indicated at 60. The electrode support 24 is preferably adjustable longitudinally in the head of bristles, suitable means, as a binding screw 30 adapted to press at its end thereon, being provided for holding the electrode sup ort in different positions of longitudinal a justment in the head of bristles.

Numeral 35 designates the electrode which is carried by the electrode support 24. The electrode 35 is preferably detachably connected to the support 24 to permit of substi- 'tution or replacement, by asuitable connection 38. The connection 38 is preferably of the type in which connection and disconnection is made by a rotary movement of the electrode, being formed for example by threads on the end 39 of support 24 and reciprocal threads in a. socket 40 in the electrode. The threaded end 39 of the rod 24 forms an electric terminal to which the electrode 35 is attached. 1

The electrode is provided with means for largelyincreasingthe surface area within a relatively small space-volume, and also with means for coacting with the headof bristles 5 to prevent detachment of the electrode 35 when formed as a detachable electrode, from its support. The means for preventing detachment of the electrode 35, is preferably a lateral projection 44. Furthermore, by increasing the number and length of these projections 44: the surface area of the electrode compared with its space volume is greatly enlarged, and the form of embodiment comprising a number of lateral projections is 35 preferred as it combines the several functions above set forth, as well as the function of providing means for receiving or confining tufts of the bristles in such a way as to pre t lateral displacement of the bristles during, manipulation of the brush and the and consequent exposure of for-0mg "hrough the electrode during use, and the conse uent liability of shortcircuits and arcing. ther means of increasing the surface area of the electrode in relation to its space volume, and in fact'separate means for performing the functions above stated may be adopted in connection with the electrode. As will be readily understood, the lateral projections 44 are transverse to the bristles; and extend into the mass of bristles, and this interen- 'gagement of the bristles with the projections 44 acts to prevent turning of the electrode 35, and its detachment from the detachable con- 5 nection 38 between it and its support 24. However, by parting the bristles so as to spread and expose the electrode 35, the said electrode may be rotated and readily detached and another substituted in its place. By allowing the bristles to ire-assume their natural position, the newelectrode is again locked against turning by the bristles pressing in against the electrode and on each side of the projections.

The electrodes are soluble or insoluble, 'andof material suitable for electrodes. The soluble electrodes are of metal (or alloys), and when used as an anode, the large area above referred to provides a large surface for the metal to enter the solution, the metal usually being chosentocorrespond to the metal to bedeposited. 4

In using the brush, the pressure by which it is apphed, acts to squeeze the electrolyte between the bristles, particularly on the side facing the direction in which the brush is drawn over the surface being'electroplated (or electrocleaned) and in order to prevent a' paucity of the solution around the electrode and between the electrode and the bristles, means forming pockets or channels for receiving solution when the bristles are pressed, are provided. These pockets 50 are conveniently formed as grooveswhich run horizontally around the electrode and transmosses versely of the bristles. The horizontal rent between electrode and solution, is approximately one-quarter to one-half greater than the area of a solid figure having the same space-volume. With a brush such as illustrated, the efiective plating area is about two square inches, The surface area of the electrodes illustrated (area of the sides) is from approximately two and one-half to three square inches, There is a further advantage in the electrode having the area increased by thelateral projections, according to this invention, inasmuch as the bristles are enabled to approach the axis of the brush and to substantially fill the area at the free ends of the bristles in the head,'whereasa solid electrode having the space-volume of. the present electrodes would prevent the bristles approaching the axis of the brush at the ends thereof and leave a central space in the head of bristles. at the free ends of the bristles. i

The electrodes 35 with the lateral ro ection it may have a variety of forms, some of which are shown in the several embodi ments illustrated. The projections 44 preferably extend longitudinally of the electrode, and preferably taper toward the axis of the electrode at its lower end, whereby the depth of penetration of the projections into the bristles at said lower end of the electrode is reduced, or eliminated as shown, 1 whereby danger of the projections making contact with the surface being plated (or cleaned) is avoided.

Perforations 70 runnin through the projections 44 and/or throug the body may be provided, to facilitate the supply of electrolyte around the electrode. These perforations act as pockets and also as conduits through which electrolytic solution may run from the side of the brush which is full of electrolytic solution to the side which is lean.

Vertical or upwardly inclined vents or passages 71- may also be provided, and these may open into the perforations 70. These vents or passages 71 provide a means for solution to run back and forth between the sides and top of the electrode, according to the pressure on the bristles due to the inanipulation of the brush, and also afford a vent for gas.

Means 80 may also be provided for venting gas from the space 81 above the electrode; This means is conveniently a vertical channel 83 in the handle 10 with a lateral branch 84 to the atmosphere.

Experience in electroplating with brushes around said body, said electrode having holding an electroplating solution, shows that difliculty was heretofore experienced in obtaining thick deposits, and in obtaining a high current density at the cathode surface. By the present invention the conditions for larger current densities and thicker platings are materially 'bettered and improved results obtained. 0 The invention may receive other embodichannels therein for liquid. In witness whereof, I have hereunto signed my name.

' FREDERICK CONLIN.

ments than those herein specifically illus trated and described.

What is claimed is l 1. A brush for electrolytic use, comprising a head of bristles, and an electrode positione within the bristles, said electrode comprising a body portion and relatively short projections thereon projecting into the sur rounding mass of bristles, such projections being of such nature to resist parting of the mass of bristles during use and consequent exposure of said electrode.

, 2. A brush for electrolytic use, comprising ahead of bristles, and an electrode positione within the bristles, said electrode comprising a body portion'and relatively short projectionsthereon projecting into the surrounding mass of bristles, such projections being of such nature to resist parting of the mass of bristles during use and consequent exposure of said electrode, and grooves having a transverse relationship to said bristles forming channels in said electrode for receiving liquid. p j

3. A brush for electrolytic use comprising a head of bristles, a terminal in the brush, an electrode positioned within the bristlesi and a connection between said terminal an venting gas through said electrode to the ata. body and lateral projections extending mosphere.

5. An electrode for brush use, comprising a body and relatively short lateral projections extending around said body, of such 'nature, when placed in a mass of bristles, to

resist the parting of the bristles and consequent exposure of the electrode;

6. An'electrode for brush use, comprising a body and relatively short lateral Pl'OjQQ- tions extending around said body of such nature, when placed in a mass of bristles, to

resist the parting of the bristles and consequent exposure ofthe electrode, said elec= trode having-means for detachably connecting it to a support. V

7. An electrode for brush use, comprising 

